Viacom says its streaming service will launch this year

CBS and Viacom are reportedly exploring a massive media merger

Download Survivor, but not via iTunes

File this
under "What are they thinking?" CBS
has announced that it will offer downloads of its mega-popular reality show Survivor: Panama* at
$1.99 a pop. But here's the catch: The episodes will "expire" 24 hours after purchase, will not be iPod
compatible and will not be sold via iTunes (CBS.com will distribute them). CBS's president of digital media Larry
Kramer told Ruters, "We want to go gradually. We've never done this before."

I
honestly do understand Mr. Kramer's hesitation. It's a new marketing venture and they don't want to get burned. But we
know that the networks get the majority of the cut from iTunes sales. Plus, why would I pay for something that's going
to "break" in a day? That's like saying, "After you listen to this CD once, I'm coming to your house and
taking it away from you."

*Does anyone else think the theme should be changed to Panama by Van
Halen for this season?